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Melatonin side effects and safety
Individuals have different melatonin requirements. Most individuals can get by on doses of 3 milligrams (mg) or less per night. Still, some individuals tend to take more than their fair share. Most healthy persons may take melatonin for up to two months without any ill effects. However, the oral hormone may have negative consequences for those more susceptible to it. In most cases, adverse reactions only manifest after prolonged usage or excessive dosing.
Melatonin may cause the following side effects −
Headache of moderate severity may suggest that you have taken too much oral melatonin or that your body is sensitive to this form of the hormone. Conditions Affecting the Digestive System Some individuals find that melatonin makes them sick to their stomach. Stomach pain, vomiting, and loose stools might all be symptoms.

Dizziness Mild dizziness, lightheadedness, and vertigo have been reported by some melatonin users.
Irritability In addition to low spirits, taking in too much melatonin might have negative consequences. Your moods may swing from irritability and anxiety to sadness.
Drowsiness Although melatonin is not known to have a "hangover effect," it may induce sleepiness in specific individuals throughout the day. This might make it hazardous to drive or operate machines due to decreased attention. Wait at least five hours after taking melatonin before driving or using heavy equipment. Depressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are two medications that might amplify sleepiness. Primary: Hypotension In rare cases, melatonin may produce dangerously low blood pressure. Side effects from melatonin are often minor.
However, serious consequences might arise from untreated low blood pressure, which can be fatal for the patient. Your organs won't get enough oxygen if your blood pressure is too low. The health of the heart and the brain are both affected. Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision, disorientation, and exhaustion are all symptoms of low blood pressure. If you're taking melatonin orally and notice any moderate adverse effects, try reducing your dose to see if it helps. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, talk to your doctor about increasing your amount. The human form takes several forms and is unique to each individual.
Melatonin Side Effects Caused to Kids
When used temporarily, melatonin is thought to be safe for youngsters. However additional research is needed. Up to Date More than 2 million healthcare professionals use Up To Date every month to ensure they make evidence-based choices and improve patient outcomes. The clinical decision assistance offered by Up To Date is grounded on the latest research and provides users with a wealth of practical information. We may have a deeper knowledge of its long-term consequences on young people.
According to the little available literature, any possible adverse effects are likely moderate and short-lived. Some examples are: headache, dizziness, drowsiness, agitation, and/or increased urination/bedwetting throughout the night. Melatonin has been shown to provide short-term benefits in youngsters, but the long-term consequences are less certain. Some scientists are worried that melatonin could affect your hormone levels and delay puberty. Studies that have followed children using melatonin for as long as four years have shown no evidence of serious harm. Parents and caregivers should remember that although melatonin may assist with particular sleep problems, medical practitioners do not advocate melatonin as a general sleep aid for children or teenagers.
Safety: When Is Melatonin Safe to Take?
Melatonin, when taken orally, is generally well tolerated and has no health risks for healthy individuals. The supplement may be used for a variety of circadian rhythm disorders due to its sedative effects. For example, Symptoms of Jet Lag When you travel across many time zones, your body's internal clock may get temporarily disoriented, resulting in sleep disruptions. This may improve or diminish one's capacity for sleep.
Phase − Shift Sleep Disorder If you suffer from this condition, you can fall asleep many hours later than usual each night. Your body may not start getting ready for sleep until 2 a.m. or later, rather than 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Thus, you could be lucky to obtain a few of hours of shut-eye each night.
Symptoms of SWSD (Swing Work Sleep Disorder) − Night shift workers often have trouble sleeping throughout the day. To improve the quality of your nap throughout the day, try taking melatonin.
Insomnia − Insomnia refers to a nighttime struggle to go to sleep and remain asleep. Insomnia may have a variety of root reasons, including mental health issues like depression or physical health issues like chronic pain. If you suffer from occasional sleeplessness, using melatonin may help you go to sleep.
Visual Impairments and Sleep Disorders − Persons who are fully blind may have trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep because they cannot see light. Melatonin has been shown to improve the quality of sleep in those who are blind by restoring standard sleep patterns. While melatonin is typically well tolerated, certain persons, particularly those with some medical issues or taking certain drugs, may have adverse effects. Some individuals shouldn't take melatonin and those who do should be careful and see a doctor beforehand.
Dialysis patients and those with hepatic disease − Negative reactions to melatonin are more likely to occur in those whose kidneys or livers are not working properly. Women who are pregnant, nursing, or trying to conceive should not use melatonin since there is not enough research to determine its safety.
Dementia patients in their twilight years − The American Academy of Sleep Medicine advises against melatonin use. Biotechnology Information Database, National Library of Medicine Access to biomedical and genetic information is made possible by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, which in turn contributes to the advancement of research and health. Among these people, melatonin's potential side effects likely exceed its advantages. Some individuals who use melatonin may develop depressive symptoms, and it may make their depression worse if they already have it. Melatonin may stimulate several immune system components, making it useful for those with immune system disorders. People with autoimmune illnesses or who are using immune-suppressing drugs may wish to avoid using melatonin. However, the importance of this impact is still up for debate.
Additionally, melatonin might have negative interactions with other drugs. Warfarin, a medication used to prevent blood clots, serves as an example. The risk of bleeding disorders and bruises may be heightened by using melatonin while taking warfarin. Inquire with your physician before giving melatonin to anybody who is already taking any prescription drugs.